THE comeback of American hospitality giant Marriott in Cebu comes at a very appropriate time as the tourism industry is poised to see robust growth as it recovers from the pandemic.

Being one of the world’s leading tourist destinations in the Asia Pacific, Mactan, Cebu is yet to have another hospitality and travel giant to cradle as Marriott International’s first resort in the Philippines, Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort, finally opens on Sept. 1, 2022, showcasing its resilience despite the challenges met in the pre-opening.

“We are to be welcoming guests to the Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort. Recognized as one of the Philippines’ most important hubs, Cebu is one of the few places in the Philippines where white-sand beaches are within the reach from a bustling historic city,” general manager Dottie Wurgler–Cronin said in a statement Wednesday.

With Cebu known for its heritage and natural environment, she said this makes Marriott’s newest property a tropical sanctuary to experience “the authentic and heartfelt Cebuano hospitality.”

Sheraton Cebu is one of the many proofs of Marriott’s growing portfolio all over the world from select, premium, to luxury brands of choice, the company said.

The new resort is set to become a new destination in Cebu where visitors can enjoy captivating views of the Hilutungan Channel, one of Cebu’s finest and richest sanctuaries, and the scenic Olango Island, one of the seven best-known flyaways for migratory birds in the world.

It was in 2017 when Marriott exited the Cebu market after its contract with AyalaLand Hotels and Resorts Corp. to manage the then Cebu City Marriott Hotel, now Seda Ayala Center Cebu, ended.